PCG, BFAR hold maritime drills near Panatag Shoal and Pag-asa Island

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) conducted maritime exercises on Saturday, April 24, near Panatag Shoal and Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea.

Eight ships from both agencies participated in drills focusing on navigation, maintenance, small boat operations, logistics, piloting, firefighting, manual plotting, and life support.

Chinese vessels were present during these exercises, with at least 240 Chinese militia vessels reported to be swarming the disputed waters off Kalayaan in Palawan within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).